“Yentl” quotes

Plot – Yentl is a young and clever Jewish girl who is passionate about learning and lives in a small village in the West part of Poland, at the beginning of the 20th century. The ancient Jewish traditions didn’t allow the women to study, forcing them to care only about the house and the children, according to a strict division in which culture was a men’s principle, while life was a women’s one. However, Yentl rebels again the system and studies the Talmud, supported by her wise and old father.

“- Yentl: I envy them.- Yentl's Father: The booksellers?- Yentl: No, not the booksellers, the students. Talking about life, the mysteries of the universe and I'm learning how to tell a herring from a carp.”Barbra Streisand - Yentl
Nehemiah Persoff - Reb Mendel 'Papa'

“- Yentl: We don't have to hide my studying from God, then why the neighbors?- Yentl's Father: Why? Because I trust God will understand. I'm not so sure about the neighbors.”Barbra Streisand - Yentl
Nehemiah Persoff - Reb Mendel 'Papa'

“- Yentl: I'd like this one, please.- Bookseller: Sacred books are for men.- Yentl: Why?- Bookseller: It's the law.- Yentl: Where's it written?- Bookseller: It doesn't matter where it's written, it's the law.- Yentl: Well if it's the law it must be written somewhere, perhaps in here. I'll take it.”